The Recombinant Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 3 Uncharacterized Protein 033L (IIV3-033L) is a protein derived from the Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 3 (IIV-3), also known as the Mosquito Iridescent Virus. This virus belongs to the genus Chloriridovirus and is part of the family Iridoviridae, which primarily infects invertebrates . The IIV3-033L protein is expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is fused with an N-terminal His tag for purification purposes .
The IIV3-033L protein is a full-length recombinant protein consisting of 194 amino acids. It is provided in a lyophilized powder form and has a purity of greater than 90% as determined by SDS-PAGE. The protein is stored at -20°C or -80°C and should be reconstituted in deionized sterile water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. For long-term storage, adding 5-50% glycerol is recommended .
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Genome Size | Approximately 190 kbp |
| GC Content | 48% |
| Number of Genes | 126 predicted genes |
| Unique Genes | 33 genes without homologues in other IVs |
Creative Biomart. Recombinant Full Length Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 3 Uncharacterized Protein 033L(Iiv3-033L) Protein, His-Tagged. [Accessed 2025].
Creative Biomart. Recombinant Full Length Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 3 Uncharacterized Protein 033L(Iiv3-033L) Protein, His-Tagged. [Accessed 2025].
PubMed Central. Genome of Invertebrate Iridescent Virus Type 3. [Accessed 2025].
KEGG: vg:4156343
IIV-3, also known as mosquito iridescent virus (MIV), is the type species and currently sole member of the genus Chloriridovirus within the family Iridoviridae. IIV-3 is characterized by its restricted host range (mosquitoes [Diptera]) and relatively large particle size (180 nm) .
The IIV-3 genome is 190,132 bp in length with 48% G+C content, which differs significantly from previous size estimates . The genome contains 126 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) encoding proteins of 60 to 1,377 amino acids in length . IIV3-033L is one of these ORFs, representing an uncharacterized protein within the viral genome.
Key genomic features of IIV-3:
Approximately 20% of the genome consists of repetitive DNA
Contains 33 unique genes not found in other iridoviruses
Shares 27 gene homologues present in all sequenced iridoviruses
Contains 52 genes present in IIV-6 (Chilo iridescent virus) but absent in vertebrate iridoviruses
Shows no obvious colinearity with other completely sequenced iridovirus genomes
Based on the protein characteristics and viral origin, several expression systems could be employed:
| Expression System | Advantages | Disadvantages | Optimization Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial (E. coli) | High yield, cost-effective, rapid expression | Limited post-translational modifications, potential membrane protein misfolding | Use specialized strains (C41/C43), low induction temperature, fusion partners (SUMO, MBP) |
| Insect cell (Baculovirus) | Native-like environment for insect virus protein, better membrane protein folding | Higher cost, longer production time | Codon optimization, signal sequence modification, cell line selection (Sf9, High Five) |
| Mammalian cell | Most authentic post-translational modifications | Lower yields, highest cost | Transient vs. stable expression optimization, serum-free adaptation |
| Cell-free | Rapid, controllable environment, suitable for toxic proteins | Lower yields | Supplementation with lipids/detergents for membrane proteins |
For membrane-associated proteins like IIV3-033L, insect cell expression using baculovirus vectors would provide a more native-like environment, potentially resulting in proper folding and post-translational modifications relevant to the protein's function in mosquito hosts .
Purification of IIV3-033L requires strategies appropriate for membrane-associated proteins:
| Purification Method | Considerations for IIV3-033L | Technical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Affinity Chromatography | Primary method using appropriate tag (His, GST, FLAG, etc.) | Tag position (N vs. C-terminal) may affect function; detergent selection critical |
| Detergent Extraction | Essential for membrane proteins | Screen multiple detergents (DDM, LMNG, CHAPS); use lowest effective concentration |
| Size Exclusion Chromatography | Secondary purification step | Separates monomeric protein from aggregates; assess oligomeric state |
| Ion Exchange Chromatography | Based on protein's theoretical pI | Orthogonal to affinity purification; salt gradient optimization |
| Tag Removal | May be required for functional studies | Protease selection (TEV, PreScission); second affinity step |
| Stability Assessment | Critical for downstream applications | Thermal shift assays with different buffers/additives |
According to the product information, commercially available recombinant IIV3-033L is provided with a tag, though the specific tag type "will be determined during production process" . The protein is stored in a Tris-based buffer with 50% glycerol, optimized for stability .
A comprehensive quality assessment would include:
| Analytical Method | Purpose | Expected Results |
|---|---|---|
| SDS-PAGE | Purity assessment, approximate molecular weight | Single band at ~22 kDa (194 aa + tag) |
| Western Blotting | Specificity confirmation | Specific binding of anti-tag or anti-IIV3-033L antibodies |
| Mass Spectrometry | Exact mass determination, sequence verification | Mass matching theoretical value; peptide coverage >80% |
| Circular Dichroism | Secondary structure assessment | Spectrum consistent with predicted α-helical content (from transmembrane region) |
| Size Exclusion Chromatography | Oligomeric state, aggregation assessment | Homogeneous peak at expected elution volume |
| Dynamic Light Scattering | Monodispersity analysis | Single peak with low polydispersity index |
| Thermal Shift Assay | Stability assessment | Melting temperature indicative of stable, folded protein |
| Functional Assays | Verification of biological activity | Dependent on hypothesized function (e.g., membrane binding) |
These methods collectively provide a comprehensive profile of protein quality, essential for ensuring reproducible experimental results in downstream applications.
Given the predicted membrane association of IIV3-033L, determining its topology is crucial:
| Approach | Methodology | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Computational Prediction | TMHMM, Phobius, MEMSAT algorithms | Number of transmembrane domains; orientation prediction |
| Protease Protection Assay | Limited proteolysis of membrane-embedded protein | Identification of protected vs. exposed domains |
| Glycosylation Mapping | Introduction of N-glycosylation sites; glycosylation indicates luminal exposure | Map of luminal/cytoplasmic domains |
| Cysteine Accessibility | Chemical modification of engineered cysteine residues | Identification of solvent-accessible regions |
| GFP-fusion Analysis | C/N-terminal GFP fusion fluorescence in different compartments | Determination of C/N terminus orientation |
| Antibody Epitope Mapping | Generation of antibodies to different protein regions; accessibility without permeabilization | Map of exposed epitopes |
| Cryo-EM | Single-particle analysis of protein in nanodisc/liposome | Direct visualization of membrane insertion |
The N-terminal hydrophobic region (WLYLLVFGCLSVLVLVLV) would be the primary focus for topology analysis, as it likely represents a membrane-spanning segment or membrane-association domain .
A systematic functional investigation would involve:
| Approach | Methodology | Research Questions Addressed |
|---|---|---|
| Viral Genetics | CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing of viral genome; phenotypic analysis | Is IIV3-033L essential for viral replication? What stage is affected by deletion? |
| Reverse Genetics | Generation of recombinant viruses with tagged or mutated IIV3-033L | Which domains/residues are critical for function? |
| Temporal Expression Analysis | Time-course of protein expression during infection | When is IIV3-033L expressed (early/late)? |
| Subcellular Localization | Immunofluorescence or live-cell imaging with fluorescent tags | Where does IIV3-033L localize during infection? |
| Protein-Protein Interactions | Co-immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, yeast two-hybrid | What viral or host proteins interact with IIV3-033L? |
| Lipidomics | Analysis of lipid composition changes induced by IIV3-033L | Does IIV3-033L alter membrane structure or composition? |
| Host Range Analysis | Complementation studies in different insect cell lines | Does IIV3-033L contribute to host specificity? |
Given IIV-3's specific tropism for mosquito hosts, particularly affecting the fat body, dermis, and other tissues , these approaches could reveal if IIV3-033L contributes to this tissue specificity or other aspects of the virus-host interaction.
Protein interaction studies could reveal IIV3-033L's functional context:
| Interaction Type | Experimental Approach | Potential Biological Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Viral Structural Proteins | Proximity labeling during virion assembly | Role in virion structure/morphogenesis |
| Viral Non-structural Proteins | Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry during replication | Involvement in replication complex |
| Host Membrane Proteins | Split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid | Role in entry, membrane reorganization |
| Host Immune Factors | CRISPR screening for host factors affecting IIV3-033L function | Immune evasion or manipulation |
| Host Trafficking Machinery | Fluorescence co-localization with cellular markers | Role in viral trafficking or egress |
IIV-3 infects mosquito larvae, with replication primarily in the fat body and to a lesser extent in the dermis, imaginal disks, trachea, gonads, and hemocytes . Protein interaction studies focusing on these tissues could provide particularly relevant insights.
Analysis of potential post-translational modifications (PTMs):
| PTM Type | Prediction Methods | Validation Approaches | Functional Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorylation | NetPhos, GPS, Scansite | Mass spectrometry, phospho-specific antibodies | Regulation of protein-protein interactions, cellular localization |
| Glycosylation | NetNGlyc, NetOGlyc | PNGase F treatment, lectin blotting | Protein folding, stability, immune evasion |
| Palmitoylation | CSS-Palm, MDD-Palm | Acyl-biotin exchange assay, metabolic labeling | Enhanced membrane association, localization to lipid rafts |
| Ubiquitination | UbPred, UbiSite | Ubiquitin pull-down, mass spectrometry | Protein turnover, regulation of abundance |
| SUMOylation | GPS-SUMO, SUMOplot | SUMO-specific immunoprecipitation | Protein-protein interactions, spatial regulation |
The amino acid sequence of IIV3-033L contains numerous potential modification sites, including multiple serine and threonine residues that could be phosphorylated . Mutations of these sites, followed by functional assays, could reveal their importance in protein regulation.
Obtaining structural information for IIV3-033L requires specialized approaches:
| Method | Advantages | Challenges | Optimization Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-ray Crystallography | Highest resolution potential | Difficult crystallization of membrane proteins | LCP crystallization, fusion with crystallization chaperones |
| Cryo-Electron Microscopy | No crystallization required; native-like environment | Lower resolution for small proteins | Incorporation into nanodiscs; antibody fragment complexes |
| Nuclear Magnetic Resonance | Dynamic information; solution conditions | Size limitations; extensive isotope labeling | Focus on soluble domains; deuteration |
| Small-Angle X-ray Scattering | Low-resolution envelope in solution | Limited detailed information | Complement with computational modeling |
| Electron Paramagnetic Resonance | Specific distance measurements | Requires spin labeling | Strategic cysteine introduction |
| Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange MS | Conformational dynamics information | Complex data analysis | Focus on solvent-accessible regions |
| AlphaFold/RoseTTAFold | No experimental protein required | Accuracy varies with template availability | Refinement with experimental constraints |
A hybrid approach combining computational prediction, lower-resolution experimental methods, and focused high-resolution studies of specific domains would likely be most successful for IIV3-033L.
Based on its characteristics, several functional hypotheses could be tested:
| Hypothesized Function | Assay Design | Expected Results if Hypothesis Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Membrane Fusion/Penetration | Liposome fusion assay with fluorescent lipids | IIV3-033L induces mixing of lipid bilayers |
| Pore Formation | Ion flux measurements in proteoliposomes | Specific ion conductance patterns |
| Replication Complex Formation | Membrane reorganization visualization in cells | Co-localization with viral replication markers |
| Host Protein Interaction | Pull-down with mosquito cell lysates | Specific host protein binding |
| Immune Evasion | Interferon response assays in presence/absence of protein | Suppression of insect immune signaling |
| Virion Assembly | EM localization in virus particles | Specific positioning in viral envelope |
These assays should be performed with appropriate controls, including mutated versions of IIV3-033L where key functional residues are altered.
Comparative analysis across the Iridoviridae family:
| Analytical Approach | Methodology | Evolutionary Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence Homology | PSI-BLAST, HHpred against all iridovirus genomes | Identification of orthologous proteins; conservation level |
| Phylogenetic Analysis | Maximum likelihood trees of homologous proteins | Evolutionary relationships; selection pressures |
| Synteny Analysis | Genome organization comparison across iridoviruses | Conservation of genomic context |
| Structure Prediction Comparison | AlphaFold models of homologs; structural alignment | Conservation of structural features despite sequence divergence |
| Domain Architecture | InterProScan, HMMER profile comparison | Evolution of domain organization |
| Selection Analysis | dN/dS ratio calculation on aligned sequences | Identification of positively selected sites |
IIV-3 is distantly related to other iridovirus genera, showing low levels of amino acid identity to homologs in other iridoviruses . The IIV-3 genome contains 27 gene homologs present in all sequenced iridoviruses and 52 genes present in IIV-6 but not in vertebrate iridoviruses . Determining whether IIV3-033L belongs to the core conserved genes or is specific to invertebrate iridoviruses would provide insight into its evolutionary significance.